« | Job 22 | » |
1 Eliphaz from Teman said:
2 What use are we humans to God, even the wisest of us?
3 If you were completely sinless, that would still mean nothing to God All-Powerful.
4 Is he correcting you for worshiping him?
5 No! It's because of your terrible sins.
6 To guarantee payment of a debt, you have taken clothes from the poor.
7 And you refused bread and water to the hungry and thirsty,
8 although you were rich, respected, and powerful.
9 You have turned away widows and have broken the arms of orphans.
10 That's why you were suddenly trapped by terror,
11 blinded by darkness, and drowned in a flood.
12 God lives in the heavens above the highest stars, where he sees everything.
13 Do you think the deep darkness hides you from God?
14 Do thick clouds cover his eyes, as he walks around heaven's dome high above the earth?
15 Give up those ancient ideas believed by sinners,
16 who were swept away without warning.
17 They rejected God All-Powerful, feeling he was helpless,
18 although he had been kind to their families. The beliefs of these sinners are truly disgusting.
19 When God's people see the godless swept away, they celebrate,
20 saying, "Our enemies are gone, and fire has destroyed their possessions."
21 Surrender to God All-Powerful! You will find peace and prosperity.
22 Listen to his teachings and take them to heart.
23 If you return to God and turn from sin, all will go well for you.
24 So get rid of your finest gold, as though it were sand.
25 Let God All-Powerful be your silver and gold,
26 and you will find happiness by worshiping him.
27 God will answer your prayers, and you will keep the promises you made to him.
28 He will do whatever you ask, and life will be bright.
29 When others are disgraced, God will clear their names in answer to your prayers.
30 Even those who are guilty will be forgiven, because you obey God.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.